CALPE AND ITS SURROUNDING AREA

Mediterranean life in Calpe

Mention Calpe and you are talking about unforgettable holidays, peace and tranquility, relaxation, sandy coves, scuba diving, sea, delicious cuisine… in short Calpe means quality of life.

Calpe is home to the Peñón de Ifach, a massive rock that overhangs the crystal clear peaceful waters that lap the 13 km coastline with its fine sandy beaches and coves.

Seen as the emblem of the Costa Blanca, the Calpe coastline is divided into two main bays, with its two best known beaches, “la Fossa” to the north and the “Arenal-Bol” in the South.

Surroundings

Calpe is set in the heart of one of Spain’s most attractive regions, the Costa Blanca. Some of the area’s main activities include.

Having fun in the region’s leisure parks, Terra Mítica, Terra Natura, Aqualandia and Mundomar in Benidorm; discovering the medieval castle of L’Alfàs del Pi.

Swimming and sunbathing on the magnificent beaches and bays of the Costa Blanca, from Dénia to Pilar de la Horadada;

Discovering the culture of the Costa Blanca with its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque art in Orihuela;

Sailing around the area’s seascapes, or diving and exploring its rocky marine depths, teeming with marine life;

Making the most of the nightlife, with guaranteed fun and entertainment;

Enjoying the region’s natural parks: Cabo de San Antonio, la Font Rotja en Alcoi, el Montgó, or the biggest palm forest in Europe in Elx;

Visit the seaside villages and towns of Dénia, Jávea, Teulada, Moraira, Altea, la Vila Joiosa…

Guaranteed good weather

Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, Calpe has an average annual temperature of 18ºC and according to statistics, the region only has 44 cloudy days a year.

Visitors to Calpe are guaranteed warm temperatures and excellent weather.

Beaches for everyone

Calpe is a seaside village by the shores of the Mediterranean, and its varied and striking coastline, with beaches of the highest quality and pristine clean waters are matched by the area’s attractive leisure options.

Calpe boasts over 5 km. of stunning clifftop scenery: the Peñón de Ifach, Toix, La Manzanera, overlook beautiful tranquil bays, such as Les Bassetes, del Mallorquí, Calalga, del Morelló, del Penyal, el Racó, Cantal Roig, La Manzanera, Puerto Blanco, Les Urques, gasparet and el Racó de Corv to name just a few.

Calpe has two stunning main beaches with fine sands, la Fossa (or Levante) and el Arenal, both of which have earned a Q for quality and the blue flag, awarded to beaches by the EU for their excellent environmental conditions and services.

Calpe has beaches that cater to every taste.

The ideal place for sport

Calpe is an ideal place for fans of water sports, with an area of natural beauty extending from the Peñón de Ifach to Les Bassetes where they can sail a catamaran or windsurf. Two yacht clubs and a sailing school offer their services to enthusiasts who visit Calpe.

But there is more, apart from sailing, the sparkling limpid waters are a paradise for lovers of scuba diving, or underwater fishing. And there is also plenty for hikers to do in Calpe which has an ideal recreational area with wonderful natural paths and routes through the Sierra de Oltá, the Peñon d’Ifach not to mention the town’s four seaside promenades.

Calpe also boasts several golf courses close to the town: Club de Golf Ifach, Club de Golf Don Cayo, Real de Faula (Campo de Levante and Poniente), and La Sella Golf to name just a few.

The town is also equipped with indoor swimming pools, tennis and paddle clubs, a riding school, paintball facility, bowling …

Culture and tradition in Calpe

Calpe is the perfect place to enjoy some of Spain’s traditional popular festivals. There are a number of different fiestas in Calpe, held throughout the year, in particular the Andalucia Fair and the feast of the Virgen del Carmen patron of sailors and fishermen.

In August, the festival of the town’s patron is famous for the cattle run or “Bous al carrer” held in honour of the Virgen de las Nieves.

The month of October begins with the beer festival and ends with the “Moors and Christians” festival held in honour of the Santísimo Cristo del Sudor.

The rest of the year is not short of fiestas either, with the Fallas, the German Carnival, and the bonfires that are lit to celebrate San Juan …

In Summer, festivities are held in honour of the Virgen de las Nieves, the Fiestas del Carmen, in July, the Moros y Cristianos during October, held in honour of the Santísimo Cristo del Sudor, patron of the town since 1682 or the famous San Juan fiestas. Calpe’s fiestas have something for everyone.

Mediterranean diet in Calpe

Calpe enjoys a rich and varied local cuisine, with traditional cooking mainly consisting of fish and rice dishes with the fresh local produce fished off the Costa Blanca coast, such as sea bream, turbot, red mullet and sole, all featuring in local dishes.

Typical local dishes such as “la llauna de Calp”, “El arròs de Senyoret”, “el arròs amb fesols i naps” or “Cruet de peix” are accompanied by the wine of the region Peñón de Ifach, a treat for the most discerning palates.

And to round off the perfect menu, typical desserts made with fruits such as figs, raisins, almonds, pomegranates and prickly pear, not to mention the delicious coca and homemade confectionery.

What to see